Flight Command became the first American winner for Flightline in romping by 10 lengths in front-running fashion in an $85,000 maiden special weight race June 25 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Flightline previously sired a winner in Japan named Demian, who prevailed June 13.
READ: Flightline Sires First Winner: Demian Scores in Japan
LSU Stables' Flight Command was always in control in his debut, busting out of the gate quickly and establishing a clear lead under Manny Franco. Asked to quicken at the head of the lane, he cruised to an authoritative victory over runner-up Hurricane Mo. Flight Command raced 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.11 on a fast main track following splits of :22.37, :45.60, and :57.54 with Franco hand-riding the winner and easing up late. Flight Command paid $4.56 to win.
Machmer Hall and Carrie and Craig Brogden bred Flight Command in Kentucky out of the unraced Candy Ride mare Stonetonic, a daughter of multiple grade 2 winner Stonetastic. Flight Command is her first winner from two starters.
Northshore Bloodstock bought Flight Command for $275,000 this spring from the Julie Davies consignment to the Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
Flightline, an 8-year-old son of Tapit out of the Indian Charlie mare Feathered, has been causing a stir since joining stud in 2023 after retiring undefeated in six starts and being named 2022 Horse of the Year and Longines World's Best Racehorse.
Flightline, who has 126 juveniles in his first crop, was introduced at stud for $200,000 at Lane's End in Kentucky. He stood this year for $125,000.
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